methyltestosterone w/ estrogen - oral, Estratest (cont.)

USES: This medication is used for the short-term treatment of menopause symptoms. It helps reduce episodes of flushing and sweating of the upper body and face, commonly called hot flashes. It also helps treat dryness, itching, and burning around the vagina. These symptoms occur when a woman's body no longer produces the usual amount of female hormone (estrogen) at the age when monthly menstrual periods normally stop. This medication is a combination of 2 hormones, a female hormone (estrogen) and a male hormone (methyltestosterone).If you need treatment only for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth on a cycle, usually once a day for 21 days followed by no medication for 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. Follow your dosing schedule carefully. This drug should be used for the shortest possible length of time. See also Warning section.This medication may be taken with or without food. You may take it with food or immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day as directed. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, stomach upset, bloating, nausea, weight changes, increased/decreased interest in sex, or breast tenderness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., severe depression, memory loss), breast lumps, swelling of hands/feet, unusual vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge/itching/odor, changes in skin color, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual tiredness, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, worsening of seizures.Women may experience signs of masculinization (male characteristics) from methyltestosterone. To prevent these changes from becoming permanent, stop taking this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: hoarseness, deepening of the voice, facial hair growth, new or worsening acne, an enlarged clitoris, menstrual period changes.This medication may infrequently cause serious problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and blood clots. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: chest pain, jaw/left arm pain, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (e.g., double vision, loss of vision), pain/redness/swelling of legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.